Parents' Guide to

The Suite Life of Zack and Cody

By Joly Herman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Life is unrealistically sweet for tween boys.

TV Disney Channel, Disney XD Comedy 2005
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 20 parent reviews

Emma L.
Emma L. Adult
November 15, 2020
age 7+

I loved this show when I was a kid

I’m 21 now and I loved this show when I was a kid. Always thought it was really funny and I recently rewatched it just for some nostalgia and it’s still funny. I don’t see a reason for anyone not to watch it.
pkdorset
pkdorset Adult
August 31, 2020
age 6+

Typical goofy comedy

My son loves this program and makes me watch it! Actually, it's not that bad and can be quite be quite funny at times. The two main characters are quite annoying and have stupid hair.
See all 20 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When their mom lands a singing gig and they get the keys to a suite high in the sky, it's an invitation for twin brothers Zack and Cody (played by real-life twins Dylan and Cole Sprouse) to party and run amok around the swanky Tipton Hotel. The boys are occasionally chaperoned by cute candy counter girl Maddie (Ashley Tisdale), who also fills the role of babysitter.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (20):
Kids say (88):

The show's premise could allow for some soulful moments, but the series errs on the side of the boys' fun life. Cheesy lines and predictable circumstances are plentiful, but kids love the video-game lifestyle the boys live -- jumping in elevators and hiding on a passing luggage cart to escape trouble, and so on.

While there are always more compelling programs for kids this age to enjoy, the popularity of the twins has proven that they'll be blaring on your TV screens well past their tween years.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the fact that this series is, indeed, a fantasy, and that money doesn't necessarily make life easy. Would your kids want to live in a hotel? What would be the advantages and disadvantages?

  • Is there any part of Zack and Cody's life that real kids can relate to?

  • Kids: Would it be fun to have be a twin?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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